It’s May, so we are counting down to the end of the 2021-2022 school year! It is a particularly bittersweet time for our 8th grade students as they prepare to graduate. To help celebrate and recognize our ILS Class of 2022, we have again launched our “Meet Us Monday” blog series to introduce you to the members of this year’s graduating class.
Each week, we will be sharing interviews that we have done with each of our 8th grade students, in which they share more about their favorite ILS memories and traditions, words of wisdom they’ve received over the years, and other reflections from their years here with us at ILS. We hope that you will enjoy these reflections, and join with us in congratulating and celebrating these students!
Meet Us Monday: Travis, ILS Class of 2022
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“I attended ILS in 2nd and 3rd grade and then I moved to Texas. I have been back at ILS for 7th and 8th grade, so that’s a total of 4 years.”
2. To what house do you belong, and how have you developed as a person by being involved in it?
“I am in House Augustine. We learn teamwork by working together with our housemates to meet the goal – especially in the Engineering competition during Lutheran Schools Week and Field Day. I think I’ve learned to work with people better and give others a chance first. ”
3. What was your favorite House competition?
“My favorite competition is Field Day because of all the activities we do. It’s athletic and outside, when the weather is nice and sunny. It’s a lot of fun because all the Houses are together. We compete against the other Houses which adds to the fun of it. Since there is only one House winner at the end of the year it motivates us to contribute more during events like Field Day. ”
4. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“Camp is great. It is one of the cool traditions we have at ILS. We have the chance for adventure while learning things. It’s a break from the usual school routines but we have fellowship, learn more about each other and build better relationships.
A favorite memory from Camp this year is when the 8th graders were racing the canoes. After coming through a tunnel, Brody and Leo had the fastest time against me and Ian, but they celebrated by standing in the canoe which tipped, and they both went into the water. They were completely soaked. ”
5. What subject have you studied that has most inspired you, and how? What subject have you studied that most challenged you to grow or change?
“I like studying Math – it challenges me because you are always building off the knowledge you already have. I have always liked Math and this year I’m studying Geometry – it’s hypothetical and there are a lot of new things to learn. Miss Davis does a great job of helping us by answering our questions thoroughly, so we understand. It’s been fun to work with a small group of students to complete the Geometry class. ”
6. Where will you attend High School?
“I will attend High School at Bishop Ireton. I am looking forward to it but am not sure what it will be like. I think I am well prepared for next year, though.”
7. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“I will miss my friends. At ILS you get to know everyone and can’t forget anyone. You get a lot of one-on-one time with your teachers, which helps you learn more. It’s a fun experience.”
8. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“I enjoy Miss Davis the second (Miss D. Davis). She is very helpful. She is kind to us and happy to help us with Math. Last year at camp the boys wanted to wake up early and do a work-out before the day began. It didn’t happen, but this year we asked Miss Davis if she would join us. She “challenged” us to the work-out this year one morning at camp. Most of the 8th grade boys were ready for the challenge. Miss Davis had a work-out ready for us which included a run and various exercises. This showed that she cares about us and likes hanging out and doing things with us. ”